Nature Study Series for Homeschoolers
Seven Ponds Nature Center is an ideal outdoor classroom where children can experience nature first hand. In this series of programs, our experienced staff and well trained volunteer naturalists guide children toward an awareness and appreciation of our natural world, using hands-on activities, specimens, slide shows, and nature walks. These programs complement state science objectives and focus on specific ecological concepts. To encourage individual participation on the trail, children will be divided into groups of about 15 students. Pre-registration is required. Fee: $4.00 per person (Any adults who plan on participating in the program also pay this fee.)
All sessions will meet on May 18 at 1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Grades 1 and 2 World of Water
Concept: Water Cycle The Earth is a water planet and Seven Ponds has plenty of it. Students will understand that water is a natural resource and through hands-on activities will discover all of the different places water is found at the nature center- in the ground, in the air, and in a variety of wetland communities which include lakes, ponds, streams, swamps, and marshes.
Grades 3 and 4 Cattails to Crayfish
Concept: Adaptations of living things Adaptations are everywhere in the natural world, and there is no better place to investigate this than in the water. Students will explore the pond life looking for the many different plant and animal groups found there and what adaptations they use to survive in their watery environment.
Grades 5 and 6 Wetland Adaptations
Concept: Animals relating to their environment Lakes, ponds, and streams present a variety of challenges for the organisms residing in them. Plants and animals have many structural, behavioral, and physiological adaptations for life in these wetland environments. Indoors we will take a close-up look at a variety of these adaptations by examining live animals and prepared specimens. Then we will hike down to the pond for a pond dipping session which will give students a first-hand look at many pond organisms and an understanding of what it takes to survive in the water.